- SURNAME
Becket
- FORENAME
Ralph Wilson
- UNIT
3 Regiment (Commanding Officer)
- RANK
Lieutenant Colonel
- NUMBER
- AWARD
Silver Star
- PLACE
France 1944
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Canada
from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
born 03.06.1909, Montreal, Quebec
father Ralph Alexander Becket (1871-1946)
mother Laura Eliza Becket (????-1959)
graduated Westmount High School
1934 received Bachelor of Civil Law degree from McGill University
employed by Mongormery, McMichael, Common, Howard, Forsyth and Ker
1937 joined Prince Edward Island Highlanders
1938 married Mary Evelyn (nee MacKenzie) Becket (????-1988)
mobilized as second Lieutenant with Prince Edward Island Highlanders
11.1941 England combat training course, attached to Essex Scottish Regiment
03.1942 returned Canada, Prince George, BC, rank of Captain
1942 volunteered and accepted for FSSF
01.1943 promoted to Major
served Aleutian campaign, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
04.09.1944 action near Castillon, France (awarded Silver Star)
former C.O. 1 Bn 1 Regiment
12.1944 FSSF disbanded, temporarily attached No. 5 Canadian Infantry Training Regiment
1945 retired from Active Service
died 29.10.1996 Aged 87
Cimetiere Mont-Royal, Outremont, Quebec, Canada
CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Ralph W. Becket, Canadian Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 1st Special Service Force, in action against the enemy near Castillon, France, on 4 September 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Becket, without regard for his personal safety, drove deep into enemy-held territory, over mined roads, to secure necessary intelligence for operations of the unit under his command. Acting upon information thus obtained, he led his troops in a boldly devised and vigorously executed plan of attack which quickly overcame enemy resistance and resulted in the capture of Mount Ours, a terrain feature of critical importance to the advance of friendly troops. The courage and aggressiveness shown by Colonel Becket in personally reconnoitering enemy dispositions, and his ability to quickly exploit knowledge thus obtained, reflect great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the high standards of the Allied forces.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/393252FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/108989973/ralph-wilson-becket
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